...but I've never worried about whether tires were stock or how much difference they could make to a ride. I figure the only way I'm gonna learn is to ask. Everyone seems pretty pumped about the Michelin Sport. Clarify the difference I'll notice in the ride, handling, mileage, get-away, stopping, etc.....whatever the difference(s) might be?

Thanks!

 

Well.........guess maybe it DOESN'T help to ask, huh?

 

I use the rating system at the TireRack to get the "best" performance tire for my car. These tests are objective based on the Rack's testing, as well as subjective from owners that rate their own experiences with them. Of course purchasing the highest rated tire usually means that you're paying more money for them too because it usually seems that money = performance regarding tires. I'm willing to pay for performance though since upgrading your tires is probably the best way to increase your car's performance.

The Pilot Sports are very good tires and at one point came as OEM on M3's. I drove my dad's and they were terrific. They may still come stock, I just don't know. My dad has a late model M5 now, I oughta ask him.

I'm currently driving a Prelude, possibly upgrading to a TL next year, and the Bridgestone S03 Pole Position came out slightly better a year ago when I was considering new tires. I had actually ordered the Pilot Sports, but then called and changed after I saw that the S03's gave slightly better performance.

One thing with high performance tires though is don't expect them to last very long as the performance is typically gained through a softer rubber compound that wears much faster than "long life" tires. Back when I had my '87 Civic I used to go through Yokohama AVS Intermediate tires every 10,000 miles, but they were cheap at $75.00 each.

 

Have you driven your dad`s M5? Awesome car

 

YEAH! I have driven it. It does indeed rock, 400 BMW horsepower. He let's me get on it too, only saying that "You pay for your own ticket.", to which I reply "Of course!" as I pushed the accelerator through the floor. His latest M5 is an '02 (I think.) but he had one of those original M5's too, you know the black one based on the 528e from 1988. We both drove that one to Montana and back from Ohio for a fly-fishing trip. That is truly memorable. Too bad Montana had speed limits in 1989. He's visited me in Richmond soon so I'll get to drive the new again..hoo boy!